The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious Award for Gallantry
in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth Forces.
Illustration: THE LMS-PATRIOT PROJECT
An original "Patriot-Class" Locomotive.
Illustration: THE LMS-PATRIOT PROJECT
In Memoriam
"The Unknown Warrior" Locomotive
is Dedicated to all those who fought and died
in The Great War and in all subsequent Wars.
As the new National Memorial Engine, "The Unknown Warrior" is a new Memorial Railway Engine for The 21st-Century.
In recognition of this, The LMS-Patriot Project is also
inviting components to be Sponsored in Memory of Loved Ones.
Please contact us if you would like to make a Donation
in Memory of a relative, friend, or somebody who served
in The Armed Forces.
After The Great War of 1914-1918, three VCs were awarded to Railway Employees who had served in the conflict: John Christie, Ernest Sykes, and Wilfred Wood.
All three survived The Great War and The London and North Western Railway (L and NWR) named three "Claughton-Class" Locomotives after these Employees in recognition of their bravery and the VCs which they had received.
When the "Claughton" Locomotives were withdrawn, The London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) (which succeeded L and NWR), introduced what became the new "Patriot-Class" Locomotives and transferred The Nameplates of the two VCs who were still in the employ of The LMS. These were Private W. Wood V.C. and Private E. Sykes V.C.
When the "Claughton" Locomotives were withdrawn, The London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) (which succeeded L and NWR), introduced what became the new "Patriot-Class" Locomotives and transferred The Nameplates of the two VCs who were still in the employ of The LMS. These were Private W. Wood V.C. and Private E. Sykes V.C.
Private W. Wood V.C.
Photo: Bob Essery Collection.
Illustration: THE LMS-PATRIOT PROJECT
Our project aims:
To build a new "Patriot" Steam Locomotive to the original Sir Henry Fowler Parallel Boiler design,
capable of running on The Mainline Railway.
To create the new Royal British Legion-Endorsed National Memorial Railway Engine, named
"The Unknown Warrior".
To be complete in time for
The 100th Anniversary of The Armistice in 2018.
Help us achieve our aim
with a Donation, Sponsorship, or a Loan.
The fact that none of the original fifty-two
"Patriot-Class" Locomotives were ever preserved,
leaves a massive gap in the story of LMS Express power. A new "Patriot" will provide the link between
"The Royal Scot" and "Jubilee"-Classes
and will clearly enhance the UK Steam Collection.
The new National Memorial Engine will be a unique contribution to The 2018 Armistice Day Centenary Commemorations, and a permanent Memorial
to all Fallen Servicemen and Women.
More information at
